The Speciality & Fine Food Fair Awards, which celebrate excellence and innovation in the world of artisan food & drink, have opened nominations for their third edition.  

Entries for the awards are free and will close on Monday 26 June, with the winners announced on day one of Speciality & Fine Food Fair, which takes place on 11-12 September at Olympia London. Entries can be nominations or self-nominations.  

Nicola Woods, Event Manager for Speciality & Fine Food Fair, comments: “The Speciality & Fine Food Fair Awards celebrate the most exciting retailers, products and innovations in the world of artisan and fine food, and we can’t wait to check out this year’s entries.  

This year’s awards are comprised of seven categories: 

‘Not Yet on the Shelf’ Award 

A new category for 2023, the ‘Not Yet on the Shelf’ Award is open to products that are currently in development or have been developed but cannot yet be seen on a retailer's shelf. This is your opportunity to get your product in front of our expert judges from across the industry and gain valuable feedback, as well as the opportunity to win a stand at the 2024 edition of the Fair. The product should show innovation and should claim to fulfil a gap in the market. 

New Product of the Year – UK 

The New Product of the Year Award - UK celebrates a British product at Speciality & Fine Food Fair 2023 that has demonstrated creativity and innovation at the heart of its concept. The judges are looking for pioneering credentials, high quality construction, a clear USP and a product that comes from a brand that is constantly innovating and experimenting to inspire its customers. 

New Product of the Year - International 

The New Product of the Year Award - International celebrates an international product at Speciality & Fine Food Fair 2023 that has demonstrated creativity and innovation at the heart of its concept. The judges are looking for pioneering credentials, high quality construction, a clear USP and a product that comes from a brand that is constantly innovating and experimenting to inspire its customers. 

Sustainability Pioneer of the Year 

The Sustainability Pioneer of the Year Award is presented to a person or business that leads inspiring sustainable initiatives that has driven positive change within the industry. The winner upholds sustainable values across all aspects of their business and is a true advocate for driving sustainable change within the fine food & drink sector. 

Small Independent Retailer of the Year, in partnership with BIRA 

The Small Independent Retailer of the Year Award is presented to a pioneering smaller retailer at the heart of their community. They provide exceptional customer service, run new, exciting initiatives to help futureproof the sector and bring the community together in their local area. The winner is a forward-thinking independent retailer with less than £500k annual turnover and/or 10 or fewer employees.  

Large Independent Retailer of the Year, in partnership with BIRA 

The Large Independent Retailer of the Year Award is presented to a pioneering retailer with over £500k annual turnover and/or more than 11 employees. They provide exceptional customer service, run new, exciting initiatives to help futureproof the sector and bring the community together in their local area. The winner is a forward-thinking retailer, a real advocate for independent businesses, and leads by example to push for change and development for the industry on key agendas. 

Outstanding Industry Champion 

The Outstanding Industry Champion Award will be presented to an individual who has made a significant lifetime contribution to the fine food & drink industry. They will be recognised for passion, drive, and commitment to the sector and their community, this may include campaigning for the industry and going above and beyond to support SMEs and the fine food sector. 

The judges for this year’s event are:  

• Adrian Boswell, Food Buyer, Selfridges 

• Stephen Minall, Co-Founder, FDReviews 

• Vhari Russell, Managing Director, Food Marketing Experts  

• Tara Mei, Founder, Mahalo Supplies 

• Steve Walpole, Culinary Consultant 

• Laura Roberts, Owner, Laura’s Larder 

Russell comments: “I am really looking forward to seeing this year's entries for the Speciality & Fine Food Fair Awards. Last year we had a wide variety of entries and it's always great to see new products coming to market and hearing how brands are innovating and ensuring their green credentials are at the forefront of what they are doing. The awards are a wonderful way for brands to showcase what they are doing and to get the recognition they deserve.” 

Nominations close on Monday 26 June at 5pm. For more information, and to submit a nomination, visit https://www.specialityandfinefoodfairs.co.uk/speciality-fine-food-fair-awards-2023/